Kia PV7 electric van launch: 9 seats and 460km range

Kia has unveiled the PV7 electric van as a much larger follow-up to the PV5, with passenger and cargo versions planned. For Indian buyers, the interesting part is how Kia is combining up to nine seats, a large battery and commercial-focused charging and fleet features in one vehicle.

Kia PV7 size and seating

The long-wheelbase PV7 is 5,350mm long, 1,995mm wide and 1,990mm tall, with a 3,500mm wheelbase. That puts it well into large-van territory rather than the size of a typical MPV sold in India.

The passenger version can be configured for different uses, including personnel transport, shuttles, tourism and family use. The European version will have up to nine seats, while Korea will get an option with up to 11 seats. Some layouts will also have removable seats.

PV7 battery and charging setup

Kia is using an 800V electrical architecture for the PV7, compared with the 400V setup in the PV5. On a 350kW charger, the van can go from 10% to 80% in around 25 minutes, which is particularly relevant for commercial operators who cannot afford long charging stops.

• 71.5kWh and 96.2kWh battery choices
• FWD version makes 200kW or 272PS
• Maximum torque is 420Nm
• 96.2kWh Cargo version claims around 460km WLTP

Cargo capacity and 23 planned variants

The PV7 Cargo offers 6.1 cubic metres of space with the standard roof, while the high-roof version increases this to 8.0 cubic metres. Payload is rated at 1,200kg for the standard version and 1,165kg for the long-wheelbase version.

Kia plans as many as 23 PV7 variants over time. The lineup includes three Cargo versions, two Passenger versions, a Chassis Cab and other customised configurations. An all-wheel-drive version is also planned after the initial front-wheel-drive launch.

Kia PV7 features for fleet users

The PV7 gets Kia's Pleos Connect infotainment system with OTA updates, an open app marketplace and Gleo AI voice assistance. Depending on the setup, displays can be 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch units.

Commercial buyers also get a Business Solutions package covering predictive diagnostics, fleet management and connected-vehicle data. Kia plans to expand its commercial EV range further with the PV9 in 2029.

Would a nine-seat electric van like the Kia PV7 make sense for Indian family or fleet use?